widen

1. V-T/V-I If you widen something or if it widens, it becomes greater in measurement from one side or edge to the other. 使变宽; 变宽

He had an operation last year to widen a heart artery. 他去年动了一次扩张心脏动脉的手术。

2. V-T/V-I If you widen something or if it widens, it becomes greater in range or it affects a larger number of people or things. 扩大

U.S. prosecutors have widened a securities-fraud investigation. 美国检察官已经扩大了一个证券欺诈案的调查范围。

3. V-T/V-I If a difference or gap widens or if something widens it, it becomes greater. 拉大 (不同或差距)

Wage differences in the two areas are widening. 两个地区之间的工资差距正在拉大。